More Surgery Stops Bleeding In Heart Patient

February 9, 1986|By United Press International

TUCSON, ARIZ. — Doctors returned Bernadette Chayrez to surgery Saturday and stopped dangerous bleeding in the woman, who was kept alive by an artificial heart until it was replaced with a human organ Friday.

Chayrez, 40, of Phoenix, was in critical condition at the University of Arizona Medical Center after three hours of surgery to stop the bleeding.

She was returned to surgery eight hours after doctors had removed a miniature version of the polyurethane Jarvik-7 and replaced it with the heart of accident victim Jeffrey Huff, 19, of El Paso, Texas.

''Doctors had been watching her closely all night because of ongoing, low-grade bleeding,'' said hospital spokeswoman Nina Trasoff.

When bleeding increased, Dr. Jack Copeland, head of the surgical team, decided on further surgery. The bleeding was controlled.

Chayrez emerged from the operating room at 10:30 a.m.

''Ms. Chayrez is doing well,'' Trasoff said. ''Her vital functions -- liver, kidneys and lungs -- all are fine. She was awake before she was taken to the operating room, which indicates that, neurologically, she seems fine.'' Chayrez was the second woman to receive an artificial heart.

The mini-Jarvik was implanted Monday in Chayrez as her only chance to stay alive until a human donor could be found. Her natural heart was destroyed by a viral infection.